snow shoe question

[jbordy]

I was coyote hunting this morning in northern PA.  There was 7+ inches of snow on the ground.  The first half inch was soft and fluffy with lots of rabbit, squirrel, fox and other tracks in it.  The next half to three quarters was ice which caused me to break through on "each" step.  Even the coyote tracks that I followed had a tough time.  About every 10 to 15 steps the coyote would break through the ice.  The last 6+ inches were a soft fluffy snow again.  My question:  Would snow shoes have kept me from breaking through the ice?  (I am 6 foot, 195 lbs without backpack, and the rest of my gear).  And if the shoes would have kept me on the top what types of shoes would they have been? 

[FinsnFur]

Good question. Unfortunately the answer isn't easily calculated by a written description.

My guess would be they would hold you up....but thats all it is, is a guess. I've never wore them myself. I have a feeling if I did, I'd be covered in snow from falling. 

[northern coyote]

i was just out on min e a couple of hours ago in very comparable conditions and they worked almost perfectly in keeping me up in the 2 foot drifts we have and also in the 6"+ standing snow we have up here in northern new york

[MI VHNTR]

Snowshoes are a given here. The best floatation is provided by the BIG shoes, ie. 12x48 or bigger. They are the more conventional shoes w/wood frames and neoprene or rawhide lacing. They are a bit tougher to walk in, but they provide the best floatation. I've also got some 12x36 Atlas brand shoes. They are made with an aluminum frame and synthetic decking material. They work well enough, but they do not support weight in soft snow like the old shoes. That's why I have both types of shoes handy. MI VHNTR

[Coulter]

I haven't had my shoes out for a walk in quite a while. I have the old style wood with rawhide lacing. I love 'em, but the snow isn't really deep enough to justify putting them on around here right now. I don't usually bother when there is only 6" of snow anything above that I will get 'em on. Actually I might toss them in the truck tomorrow morning and head south of here. They may have a bit more snow than we do in town. Ooo I just looked out the window and it is snowing now That could be just the boost I need to take them for a walk.

Steve

[Buckrun]

I use to wear mine all the time. They were easy to learn to walk in. The only tuff things were getting over fences or threw thickets.



Steve

[yotefever]

I've been using mine, a set of MSR's without the extentions. At this rate I will be putting them on for the next hunt.
Took the bil out last weekend for his first coyote hunt and rented a set of Atlas shoes at REI. He really liked it/them and just bought a set off the net since everyone is sold out around here. 
No luck on the hunt either 

Mike

[cb223]

More than likely you would have stayed on top of the ice.

I used mine this past weekend. We have about 18" of snow on the ground. I was about 6 to 8 inches taller than my hunting partner who is my same height. I still sunk in a few inches and it is still work but seeing how my friend struggled it is obviously alot less work with snow shoes on!

If you are going to venture out when the snow is deep, they are well worth it.

If you are looking to buy some pay attention to the bindings. Mine are kind of a pain to get on. I had to rig them up a little for ease of use. My heavy weight boots didn't fit in the bindings very good.

[securpro]

here in Ky, any time the snow reaches a 1/2 inch or so I always wear my insulated boots. weather I use insulated or non-insulated boots really doesn't matter as I only sink in about a 1/2 inch or so any way.

[jbordy]

I am surprised Securpro that if KY got a 1/2 inch of snow that the state wouldn't  just shut down until that much darn stuff went away.   Someone told me one time that owning a snow shovel in KY is like owning a beach umbrella in Montana!

[vvarmitr]

They use beach umbrella in Montana a lot.

They use them to shade themselves while praire dog shooting. 

[jbordy]

Well V I guess I just played right into that picture.   I'll bet you were saving that just for the right occassion and I guess it showed up.

[securpro]

 :roflmao :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

[vvarmitr]

Well V I guess I just played right into that picture.   I'll bet you were saving that just for the right occassion and I guess it showed up.

Howdya guess?  :roflmao: